Get ready to dive into the diva of all appetizers! This Ricotta Pizza Dip Recipe with Crostini will own any snack spread at a party. An incredible creamy base is seasoned and topped with bright marinara sauce, briny olives, and perfectly crispy pepperoni. Paired with cheesy herbed crostini, it’s an easy snack or starter that almost no one can resist!
Table of Contents
- Reasons Why This Dip Will Make You Want a Pizza Party
- What’s In Pizza Dip?
- Can I Add More Toppings?
- Combine, Bake, and Eat! How to Make a Ricotta Pizza Dip Recipe with Crostini
- Tips and Tricks
- What to Serve with This Easy Pizza Dip Recipe
- How Long Does Homemade Pizza Dip Last?
- Common Questions About This Ricotta Pizza Dip Recipe with Crostini
- More Pizza-Inspired Recipes
- Ricotta Pizza Dip Recipe with Cheese Crostini Recipe
Reasons Why This Dip Will Make You Want a Pizza Party
Who doesn’t love freshly baked pizza? Whether you’re serving homemade pizza or ordering from your local pizza shop, it always hits the spot.
So when the mission is to whip up a dip that effortlessly conquers the hunger of a crowd, the only logical path is pizza! Whether you’re gearing up for game day, orchestrating a holiday soiree, or simply whipping up a snack that screams “fabulous” for your family, we’ve got your back with this homemade Ricotta Pizza Dip.
Featuring no shortage of fromage, and plenty of sauciness, it is:
- Made with less than ten simple ingredients.
- Paired with cheesy baked crostini for easy dipping.
- Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Easy to customize with a variety of toppings to satisfy even the pickiest crowd.
What’s In Pizza Dip?
This dip has all the ooey gooey cheesiness of pizza you love along with the rich marinara sauce. And there’s no need for a crust when you make our delectable, crunchy crostini to dip into this irresistible goodness. Here’s everything you’ll need:
Ricotta Pizza Dip
- Cream Cheese – Soft, creamy cheese forms the base of the dip, helping create a thick, scoopable texture. We recommend using full-fat varieties, but any kind you like best can be used as long as it’s plain.
- Sour Cream – This helps combine the ingredients while adding a touch of tanginess.
- Ricotta Cheese – Use high-quality, whole milk ricotta cheese for a silky smooth consistency that makes this dip to die for!
- Shredded Cheese – A combination of parmesan and mozzarella cheeses is folded into the mix for a traditional pizza taste. For the best flavor and texture, use full-fat varieties, and shred them yourself.
- Seasonings – We use a dried Italian herb mix to truly transform this cheese dip into a pizza-flavored snack!
- Marinara Sauce – The savory sauce is layered over the base of the dip just like it would be on classic pizza. To save time, we use store-bought options, but feel free to make homemade marinara sauce, if you prefer!
- Toppings – Our go-to pizza toppings are turkey pepperoni and sliced olives! They add protein, healthy fats, and flavor to make this pizza dip recipe oh-so-satisfying.
Cheese Crostini
- Rolls – We love Rhodes warm and serve white rolls for easy preparation. However, any fluffy white rolls can be used.
- Cheese – Freshly grated parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top to replicate cheesy bread without all the fuss.
- Oil – Use extra virgin olive oil to add a rich flavor to the bread and help the cheese and seasonings stick.
- Seasonings – We use the Italian herb mix again to tie the flavor of the crostini in with the dip.
Can I Add More Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to include any pizza toppings that float your boat. Some of our favorite additions that make this dip even more mouthwatering include:
- Chopped Bell Peppers
- Chopped Red Onions
- Mushrooms
- Sausage
- Ham
- Ground Beef
- Pineapple
Combine, Bake, and Eat! How to Make a Ricotta Pizza Dip Recipe with Crostini
This recipe is the perfect solution for those times when you’re craving pizza but want an easier option. It’s ready in less time than it takes to order delivery!
Ricotta Pizza Dip
- Create the Dip’s Base. Add the cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and seasoning to a large mixing bowl, and mix until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Layer. Transfer the mixture to an oval baking dish, and spread the marinara in an even layer on top. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the marinara, and arrange the olives and pepperoni on top.
- Bake. Transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven, and bake until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Crostini
- Prepare. Grease a baking sheet with cooking oil spray, and slice the bread into thick pieces.
- Season. Brush each bread piece with oil, and sprinkle the cheese and Italian herbs on top.
- Bake. Arrange the bread pieces in an even layer on the prepared baking dish, and transfer it to the oven just until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
Tips and Tricks
Just when you thought this recipe couldn’t get any better, we’ve got a few extra tricks up our sleeve to guarantee your guests will be licking the bowl clean!
- Use Brick-Style Cream Cheese. Opt for the cream cheese sold in thick butter-like blocks. Trust us, you can taste the difference in taste and texture!
- Soften the Cream Cheese. Allow the cream cheese to sit out and come to room temperature before you begin to prepare the dip. It makes it super easy to mix!
- Use a Hand Mixer. If you want an ultra-smooth, fluffy dip similar to our whipped feta dip, use a hand mixer to combine the base.
- Avoid Watery Ingredients. If you’re using veggies with a high water content (like mushrooms or zucchini) sauté them before adding them to the dip to prevent it from becoming too runny. You’ll also want to drain canned pineapple well and use pre-prepared meats. Otherwise, the consistency of the dip is likely to change.
- Add Fresh Herbs. Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano over the baked dip for a refreshing, peppery taste!
What to Serve with This Easy Pizza Dip Recipe
Thanks to the cheesy and crispy crostini, this dip is perfect for serving as it is. However, if you’re craving more choices for add-ins, there are virtually endless options.
After all, what wouldn’t pair well with all of the cheesy, saucy goodness of this mouthwatering dip? Some of our go-to extras include:
- Pita Chips
- Cheesy Focaccia Bread
- Pretzels
- Crackers
- Breadsticks
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
How Long Does Homemade Pizza Dip Last?
If you happen to have leftovers or want to prepare this recipe in advance, this pizza dip can be covered or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three or four days.
When you’re ready to eat, warm individual portions in 30-second intervals in the microwave. Or, just pop the whole dish in the oven, warm it in a skillet over the stove, or transfer it to a slow cooker set to “warm.”
Common Questions About This Ricotta Pizza Dip Recipe with Crostini
Pizza dip is a combination of cheeses and a tomato-based sauce. Then, you can add any of your favorite toppings, from pepperoni or sausage to veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or mushrooms.
Marinara is a top choice as is pizza sauce. But you can also use a creamy Alfredo-style sauce or even BBQ sauce. You experiment with those in this dip, too!
Mozzarella and parmesan are the most common cheeses to find on pizzas. However, you can also add ricotta, gorgonzola, goat cheese, or provolone.
Side dishes like a green salad, caprese salad, and an antipasto salad or platter all go well with pizza. This makes them great for serving on the side of this dip if you’re putting together a spread of snacks!
More Pizza-Inspired Recipes
Are you as fierce a pizza fan as we are? Then don’t deprive yourself of these other dishes full of pizza-flavored pizzazz!
Ricotta Pizza Dip Recipe with Cheese Crostini
Ingredients
For the Pizza Dip:
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup Ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 8 ounces Mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Optional: 1/4 cup black olives
- 4 ounces turkey pepperoni
For the Cheese Crostini:
- 1 bag Rhodes Warm and Serve Soft White Rolls
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
Instructions
For the Pizza Dip:
- Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, Ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, mixing until smooth.8 ounces cream cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup Ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- Add the mixture to an oval baking dish followed by the marinara sauce. Sprinkle the Mozzarella cheese on top, and arrange the olives and pepperonis in an even layer.8 ounces Mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, Optional: 1/4 cup black olives, 4 ounces turkey pepperoni
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
- Cool for 15 minutes before serving!
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For the Cheese Crostini:
- Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit. Grease a baking sheet with oil spray. Set aside.
- Slice the bread into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Place on the prepared baking sheet.1 bag Rhodes Warm and Serve Soft White Rolls
- Brush the bread with olive oil. Sprinkle the cheese and Italian herbs on top.1 cup Parmesan cheese, 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- Place in the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
- Serve warm with the pizza dip.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
